On Wednesday, UK independent brewery BrewDog announced that it plans to launch an equity crowdfunding campaign in the US as it expands operations into the city of Columbus, Ohio.
The ongoing Equity for Punks project will now have a Yankee version called Equity for Punks USA. It appears that BrewDog will be using Title III or Reg CF to raise capital as the timing coincides with when the new exemption becomes actionable for issuing firms. Of course they could go the Reg A+ route as well. That would allow them to raise capital beyond the $1 million cap associated with Reg CF.
BrewDog announced some time back they are planning to establish a brewhouse in the Buckeye state’s capital city and the initial cost is going to be at least $25 million. The brewery noted that the new location is set to be built on a site eight times the size of its Ellon brewery.
Previously, BrewDog was inundated with inquiries after it revealed preliminary plans for its USA expansion. The brewery’s Facebook page generated an unprecedented number of shares of the story, reaching more than 150,000 people. Reportedly, the site in Ohio was to initially serve the U.S. market with the potential to export to other countries.
BrewDog shared:
“BrewDog USA is currently 100% owned by BrewDog plc. With Equity for Punks USA, we will be raising money directly into BrewDog USA. Our US lawyers & advisors are very confident in the proposed pricing for the US business, supported by recent deals (such as the $1bn acquisition of Ballast Point), the capacity we have built in Columbus, and our brand reputation and locked-in distribution structure. We’ll be looking to sell up to 20% of the equity in BrewDog USA, the balance of the equity will be on BrewDog plc’s balance sheet.”
This news comes just a few months after BrewDog secured over £3 million from 1,765 investors through equity crowdfunding platform, Crowdcube. Last spring, its Equity for Punks pitch launched with a mission to raise £25 million and has been considered as the largest equity crowdfunding round in the UK to date. It is the fourth time Scotland’s largest independent brewer of craft beer has gone to its fans and supporters to raise equity funding.
BrewDog started in the back of a van and has evolved into a powerhouse artisanal brewery. The company has been known for its guerrilla marketing tactics and ability to enlist consumers to support its iconic brand.
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